Tackling systemic youth unemployment with work-based learning

By Nikko Riazi, The University of Melbourne, OECD, 2021

Nikko Riazi is studying a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne. Her policy paper is about tackling systemic youth unemployment with work-based learning.

Executive Summary

Over the last 10 years, young people's educational attainment (i.e. year 12 completion) has increased to 88.8% within Australia (ABS, 2021). Despite this, Australia͚'s youth unemployment has remained persistently high (12.9%) because of structural issues and barriers to accessing entry-level opportunities (ABS, 2021). This policy paper expands on the potential for schools to introduce work-based learning to allow for the development of skills and experiences required to gain employment amongst youth at early points in their careers. It proposes developing a program that mandates job-readiness modules and placements to be completed by students from years 9-10. In addition to better preparing young people for full time work, this also benefits employers who can access a larger pool of young talent. These recommendations aim to close the skills-experience gap and allow for more entry-level employment opportunities.

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